SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in Missouri
Missouri’s minimum wage reached $15.00 in 2026, but the state’s paid sick leave law was repealed in 2025, so time off now depends on the employer.
Pay in Missouri
Missouri’s minimum wage rose to $15.00 an hour on January 1, 2026, according to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. A 2025 law, House Bill 567, repealed the yearly inflation adjustment that was due to start in 2027, so the rate stays at $15.00 unless the federal rate rises above it. Retail and service businesses with gross income under $500,000 a year are exempt.
Leave for parents
Sick leave
Paid sick time approved by voters in 2024 began building up on May 1, 2025, but House Bill 567 repealed it from August 28, 2025. The state now says employers are not required to offer paid sick leave, so it is up to each employer.
Family leave
Missouri has no state family leave protections of its own. Eligible employees can use the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
Help with child care
The Child Care Subsidy Program, run by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood, helps pay for care for children from birth to 13 while a parent works, looks for work, trains or studies. Income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. You apply online through the Child Care Data System or on a paper form. New applications have gone onto a waiting list since March 1, 2026.
Missouri has no universal pre-K. School districts receive state aid for 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds who qualify for free or reduced-price meals and attend district programs, and Missouri Quality Pre-K grants fund extra places for low-income families.
Tax credits
The Missouri Working Family Tax Credit is 20 percent of your federal earned income credit from tax year 2024. It is nonrefundable, so it can reduce your Missouri tax to zero but is not paid out beyond that. You claim it on Form MO-WFTC with your MO-1040.
Getting into work
Missouri Job Centers are part of the American Job Center network and offer free help to job seekers. Insurance producers are licensed by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Pharmacy technicians register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy.
Questions about working in Missouri
What is the minimum wage in Missouri in 2026?
$15.00 an hour from January 1, 2026. A 2025 law ended the yearly inflation increases that were due to start in 2027, so the rate is set to stay at $15.00. Some small retail and service businesses are exempt.
Does Missouri still have paid sick leave?
No. The paid sick leave law approved by voters in 2024 was repealed with effect from August 28, 2025. Paid sick days are now up to each employer.
How do I apply for child care help in Missouri?
Through the Child Care Subsidy Program, run by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. New applications have gone onto a waiting list since March 1, 2026.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your Missouri ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to Missouri residents.